How Did You Do That?

“Rocks and Mist” is another one of my long exposure shots. The image was captured late one night on the rocky shore of La Jolla Cove in San Diego. I was standing on the eroded lava rock about 10 feet from a precipice that fell off to the ocean. The waves would come up and go over my feet as I stood there for the 30 second exposure.

The effect of the waves going in an out over the 30 seconds gives the misty, foggy effect. The only illumination were the distant lights and stars. I was using a 16mm lens and so there is a distorted almost fish-eye effect, which is not really noticeable since the viewer does not know what the scene really looks like.

This was shot in 2005 and I recently returned to the same spot and was very surprised at how small this rocky area really is. The wide angle lens added much to the look and feel of the image.

Water and long exposures are a great combination. A very long exposure can smooth out water for a very simple and clean look. Sometimes a shorter exposure can give form and shape to the water and then there is the misty look as in the above image. Using a digital camera allows you to experiment and get right before you leave. I love digital!

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on Tuesday, February 17th, 2009 at 9:06 am and is filed under Objects, Places .
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Yes Cole! In the flesh! I guess you remember me! We’re going to get to meet eachother in person in Moab. Very much looking forward to it. I didn’t sign up for your workshop but had I had just one more opportunity I would have selected it! It was very hard to choose among all of you guys. Anyway, still enjoying your work.